February 26, 2010
System regulator says unprecedented array of electricity options offers nuclear wiggle room
Stevens said new generation will likely be needed after 2018, but there's no reason it needs to be nuclear. "We could build a new nuclear plant, or we could build more wind and gas plants," he said.
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/770407--slow-economy-leaves-ontario-ample-power
We’re already producing 23 per cent more electricity than peak demand forecast for this summer. And 27 per cent more power than peak demand forecast for the summer of 2014, according to a report released this week by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance. You’ve read this right. We have energy to burn, minus the coal currently choking our lungs. A coal shutdown can be accomplished without brownouts or spending millions on dangerous nukes, but we do have to commit to stop selling our surplus power to the U.S. when the economy picks up. Cancelling coal isn’t far-fetched. All it’ll take is a champion in the Liberal cabinet.
http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=173819
What's the worst thing that could happen? Plane crash, deliberate or accidental? Earthquake? Design flaw? Construction flaw? Operator error? What's the potential damage in dollars? How about $600 billion, according to the Sandia National Laboratory.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/gsindell/detail?entry_id=57400
Note: In Canada we have the Nuclear Liability Act which insures the nuclear industry against accidents up to a max. of $75 million. What a deal! No other industry is able to operate without insurance. For more on this see: http://www.ccnr.org/insurance.html –a
Vermont Senate Votes to Close Nuclear Plant
In an unusual state foray into nuclear regulation, the Vermont Senate voted 26 to 4 Wednesday to block operation of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant after 2012, citing radioactive leaks, misstatements in testimony by plant officials and other problems. Unless the chamber reverses itself, it will be the first time in more than 20 years that the public or its representatives has decided to close a reactor.
Higher electric rates will appear, not when plants begin operating, but years, if not decades, before they come on line.
"When Wall Street won't invest in something, that should tell you how bad it is." "[Nuclear energy] is the most socialized energy in the world and would not exist except for public money."
http://www.truthout.org/major-fallout-predicted-over-obamas-nuclear-power-proposal57088
If our nation wants to reduce global warming, air pollution and energy instability, we should invest only in the best energy options. Nuclear energy isn't one of them.
Every dollar spent on nuclear is one less dollar spent on clean renewable energy and one more dollar spent on making the world a comparatively dirtier and a more dangerous place, because nuclear power and nuclear weapons go hand in hand.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/02/22/jacobson.nuclear.power.con/
TAP aims to raise awareness about tritium, demystify the nature of this dangerous material for public and politicians alike, tighten standards and reduce emissions and exposures of Canadians to tritium. Tritium is a serious hazard in Canada, requiring urgent action by the public and legislators alike. On this website you will find scientific documents, media reports, personal stories and fact sheets.
http://inmotion.magnumphotos.com/essay/chernobyl
The media should reject the use of industry rhetoric, stop using Nukespeak talking points, and start telling us the truth about nuclear power!
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation initiates and supports worldwide efforts to abolish nuclear weapons, to strengthen international law and institutions, and to inspire and empower a new generation of peace leaders.
http://www.mnn.com/technology/research-innovations/blogs/top-6-nuclear-energy-myths-exposed
Wind power has never been this big in Canada. And the Great Lakes are a superb site, getting the maximum wind exposure without building towers in people's backyards.
The launch of a wave of new wind farms in Ontario will create long-term opportunities for manufacturers to supply them -- and replace some of the jobs that the auto industry can no longer provide. There was a time when the Seaway carried iron ore and car parts. As demand for that traditional cargo falls, perhaps the same waters could supply jobs from energy.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Seeing+wind/2600263/story.html
to the tune of "Take me to the River"
Tritium in the River, toxins in the water.
Tritium in the River, toxins in the water, water.
I don't know why this nuke is online
All the trouble that it puts us through.
Takes our money, gives us cancer.
We haven't seen the worst of it yet.
I want it closed, can you hear me?
Shut it down today?
Tritium in the River, toxins in the water
Tritium in the River, toxins in the water, water...
Free film screening and discussion
A film on how Cuba responded to the challenges of peak oil in the 90's followed by a discussion on creating a more local, low-energy society and addressing the challenges of climate change in our own neighbourhood.
Tuesday, March 2nd at 6:30 pm
Annette Street Branch Library, 145 Annette St. (E of Pacific, W of Keele), Community Room 1, Toronto
Organized by Green 13, Hosted by Annette Branch Library
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half and food by 80 percent people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis the massive reduction of fossil fuels is an example of options and hope.
Wed. Mar, 3, 2 p.m.
At the Monk Centre, University of Toronto
Speaker: Louise Frachette, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation
For more info and to register: http://webapp.mcis.utoronto.ca/EventDetails.aspx?eventid=8744